Pavlos Marinakis: The masks have come off for those who voted against the report on Turkey

Mitsotakis in Brussels – Message on Turkey and the European agenda

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Brussels for the European Council summit, where he is participating as the keynote speaker at a high-level event on the topic “Greece’s National Social Agreement: A European Model for Social Dialogue.”

The event is taking place following the signing of the National Social Agreement in late November 2025 by all national social partners, representatives of workers and employers. According to the government, the agreement paved the way for new and expanded collective bargaining agreements, leading to wage increases and stronger protections for workers.

The agenda for the Summit of the 27 includes the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, global macroeconomic developments, Ukraine, the Middle East, as well as European defense and security.

Greece’s position is that the European Union’s heightened strategic ambitions must be accompanied by a correspondingly ambitious European budget. At the same time, Athens insists on maintaining funding for Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as on preventing the widening of development disparities between member states and regions.

Regarding European defense, the Prime Minister is expected to reiterate his support for a “360-degree” approach that would cover all threats to the European continent.

Regarding the Middle East, Greece supports de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, while welcoming the latest developments and emphasizing the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and fully restoring freedom of navigation.

In the European Parliament’s resolution on the Report on Turkey: The masks have come off; others speak of appeasement and voted against it

The government spokesperson made special mention of the recent European Parliament resolution on Turkey, arguing that it confirms the effectiveness of Greek foreign policy.

“The masks have come off because, once again, those who believe that the government’s foreign policy is one of appeasement or that the country is isolated have been proven wrong,” said Pavlos Marinakis.

As he noted, the report by the relevant committee of the European Parliament on Turkey “validates the Greek positions,” noting that MEPs from New Democracy and PASOK voted in favor of the report.

On the other hand, according to the government spokesperson, the Freedom Movement, Niki, and the Patriots European parliamentary group, of which Aphrodite Latinopoulou is a member.

“There are pseudo-patriots who, when the time comes to face reality, stand aside. They peddle empty patriotism, and when the time comes, they back down,” he remarked pointedly.

Referring to the debate on constitutional reform, Mr. Marinakis described the amendment of Article 16 as necessary, noting that this is a reform that “is decades overdue.”

As he stated, the revision should, at a minimum, allow for the operation of private universities, so that “every child in the country has the right to study at a private university.”

PosoKanei: Accurate price comparisons for 10,000 products

Special mention was made of the new digital app PosoKanei, through which citizens can search for and compare prices on approximately 10,000 products of general consumer goods available in supermarkets.

“This is an important initiative that strengthens competition while also raising consumer awareness,” the Prime Minister stated.

The app allows users to search for products, compare prices by retail chain, create personal shopping lists, and calculate the actual cost of their shopping cart before visiting the store.

The platform includes both brand-name products and private-label products, maintains a price history, and suggests more affordable alternatives for each product category. At the same time, where data is available, it provides comparisons with similar products in other European markets.

Responding to criticism the government has faced regarding the new platform, the government spokesperson argued that PosoKanei is not presented as the sole solution to high prices, but as yet another tool in the hands of consumers.

As he noted, tackling high prices requires a combination of policies, such as income increases, market oversight, and caps on profit margins, emphasizing that this is a “daily and difficult battle” aimed at keeping prices as stable as possible.

New framework for loans, with greater consumer protection

Pavlos Marinakis also referred to the Ministry of Development that has been put out for public consultation and aims to strengthen the protection of citizens against abusive and misleading practices.

The new regulations concern consumer loans, renovation loans, and credit cards up to 100,000 euros, without real estate collateral.

Under the new framework, contract terms must be presented with complete transparency, and banks will be required to clearly disclose interest rates, fees, charges, and potential risks.

At the same time, the right to withdrawal within 14 days of signing the contract is clarified, without penalties and without the obligation to provide a reason.

Of particular importance is the provision setting a cap on the Total Annual Effective Interest Rate (A.A.R.), as well as the restrictions on increasing the principal amount during the repayment period. According to the government, the goal is a more fair, secure, and transparent lending framework.

“Marietta Giannakou” Program “Marietta Giannakou” Program: Renovations at 238 Schools

Phase II of the “Marietta Giannakou”, which covers 238 schools and school complexes in 132 municipalities across the country.

The work includes extensive maintenance and upgrades, with the goal of having the facilities fully operational before the start of the new school year.

Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, studies will begin for an additional 450 school facilities, while the overall goal is to upgrade 2,000 schools by 2029.

As Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki emphasized, education concerns not only curricula and reforms, but also the infrastructure, classrooms, playgrounds, and creative spaces that students and teachers deserve.

Tourism for All 2026–2027 – Expansion of eligible recipients and increased funding

The new program “Tourism for All 2026-2027”, which expands the pool of eligible recipients, extends the program’s duration, and provides enhanced support for people with disabilities and large families.

The program will be implemented in two phases. The first will begin shortly and will be completed on June 30, 2027, while the second will begin in early 2027 and conclude on December 31, 2027.

The grants range from 200 to 600 euros, while beneficiaries will be selected via an electronic lottery to ensure transparency and equal opportunities for participation.

70% of the budget will be allocated to the months of October through April, supporting the extension of the tourist season and the development of local economies.

A significant change is the expansion of the income criteria to include more middle-class households. At the same time, for the first time, individuals with a disability of 67% or higher, as well as families with children with disabilities, will be eligible to participate regardless of income.

In addition, additional support of 50 euros is provided for each child from the fourth child onward in large families, reinforcing the program’s social character.